A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume I Part 16

Why, ye said, if I had need, Ye would me never forsake, quick ne dead, Though it were to h.e.l.l truly.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

So I said certainly; But such pleasures be set aside, the sooth to say, And also if ye took such a journey, When should we come again?

EVERYMAN.

Nay, never again till the day of doom.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

In faith, then will not I come there: Who hath you these tidings brought?

EVERYMAN.

Indeed, Death was with me here.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

Now, by G.o.d that all hath bought, If Death were the messenger, For no man that is living to-day I will not go that loath journey, Not for the father that begat me.

EVERYMAN.

Ye promised otherwise, pardy.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

I wot well I said so truly, And yet if thou wilt eat and drink, and make good cheer, Or haunt to women the l.u.s.ty company, I would not forsake you, while the day is clear, Trust me verily.

EVERYMAN.

Yea, thereto ye would be ready; To go to mirth, solace and play, Your mind will sooner apply Than to bear me company in my long journey.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

Now, in good faith, I will not that way; But, and thou will murder, or any man kill, In that I will help thee with a good will.

EVERYMAN.

Oh, that is a simple advice indeed: Gentle fellows[hip,] help me in my necessity; We have loved long, and now I need, And now, gentle Fellows.h.i.+p, remember me.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

Whether ye have loved me or no, By Saint John, I will not with thee go.

EVERYMAN.

Yet, I pray thee, take the labour, and do so much for me, To bring me forward, for Saint Charity, And comfort me, till I come without the town.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

Nay, and thou would give me a new gown, I will not a foot with thee go; But, and thou had tarried, I would not have left thee so: And as now G.o.d speed thee in thy journey!

For from thee I will depart, as fast as I may.

EVERYMAN.

Whither away, Fellows.h.i.+p? will you forsake me?

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

Yea, by my fay; to G.o.d I betake thee.

EVERYMAN.

Farewell, good Fellows.h.i.+p; for this my heart is sore: Adieu for ever, I shall see thee no more.

FELLOWs.h.i.+P.

In faith, Everyman, farewell now at the end; For you I will remember that parting is mourning.

EVERYMAN.

Alack! shall we thus depart in deed, O Lady, help, without any more comfort, Lo,[82] Fellows.h.i.+p forsaketh me in my most need: For help in this world whither shall I resort?

Fellows.h.i.+p here before with me would merry make; And now little sorrow for me doth he take.

It is said, in prosperity men friends may find, Which in adversity be full unkind.

Now whither for succour shall I flee, Sith that Fellows.h.i.+p hath forsaken me?

To my kinsmen I will truly, Praying them to help me in my necessity; I believe that they will do so; For kind will creep, where it may not go.[83]

I will go say; for yonder I see them go: Where be ye now, my friends and kinsmen [lo?]